Top 5 Weekend Events For Families: Church Hill Irish Festival, West End Comedy & More

Wondering where to go and what to do this weekend? Never fear, the Top 5 Weekend Events for Families is here! From a performance of The Wizard of Oz and live improv from West End Comedy to the Church Hill Irish Festival and a demonstration of rural life on a farm, there’s plenty to see […]

March 25, 2011; 10:09 AM • by Carissa Garabedian

Our family events contributor Carissa Garabedian has hand-picked the best bets for family fun and entertainment around Richmond. For an amazing list of dozens more, be sure to check out Carissa’s award-winning website, Macaroni Kid of Richmond.

1. The Wizard of Oz

Friday, March 25 through Saturday, March 26

The National Tour of THE WIZARD OF OZ announced that children from SPARC (School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community) from the surrounding Richmond area will perform the roles of “munchkins” while this beloved classic is live on stage in their hometown! Performances are March 25-26 at the Landmark Theater. Tickets are on sale now.

Who: All
When: 8:00 PM (Show times may vary)
Where: Landmark Theater
How: Ticketmaster.com or at the Box Office at the Landmark
Cost: $40 and up
More info: www.wizardofozontour.com

2. Church Hill Irish Festival

Saturday, March 26 through Sunday March 27

Traditional Irish musicians, bagpipers and dancers will perform throughout the weekend. In addition to great entertainment, there will be plenty of family fun, including children’s games, face painting and Irish-themed crafts. Over thirty Irish vendors will be in attendance! Food and refreshments will also be available. A huge children’s play area will be sponsored by the great folks from “Connor’s Heroes,” an organization that assists families and children who are fighting childhood cancer.

Who: All
When: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday
Where: N. 25th St. in Front of St. Patrick’s Church
How: Just go!
Cost: FREE

3. Spring on the Farm

Saturday, March 26

Come see what is going on at the farm. Are there any new lambs? What is the farmer doing? It’s time to get the garden ready for planting!

Who: All
When: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Where: Meadow Farm Museum – 3400 Mountain Road
How: Call Anna Truong, 501-2130
Cost: FREE

4. West End Comedy

Friday, March 25 through Saturday, March 26

Friday, March 25th at 7:30 pm is the all audiences show. West End Comedy presents a family friendly short-form improv performance similar to Whose Line is It Anyway featuring suggestions from the audience and may even bring an audience member on stage. This show is for all ages! Saturday, March 26th at 7:30 is the mature show followed at 9:30 pm by the Anna is Awesome short form improv jam. The show will open with featured guest Bent Theatre Improv Comedy from Charlottesville, VA. Their performance will be followed by West End Comedy using audience suggestions to create entertaining scenes.

Who: Friday – Family, Saturday – Adults
When: 7:30 PM both nights
Where: West End Comedy at HATTheatre – 1124 Westbriar Drive
How: Call 496-1714 for tickets
Cost: $5

5. Artisans Day at the Museum

Saturday, March 26

Visit the Museum of the Confederacy on March 26 for Artisans’ Day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. See demonstrations of spinning, weaving, quilting, hair jewelry making, and blacksmithing. Explore new exhibits The War Comes Home and Knickknackery: Curiosities from the Museum’s Vaults. Enjoy living history and special children’s crafts. All demonstrations are available with paid Museum admission.